Have you ever pondered what a self-evident truth is? As we continue our study of the Declaration of Independence, let’s examine how this phrase was used and its significance. Start by reading the words as they are used in this founding American document: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
Defining “Self-Evident”
Let’s use the definition provided by the American Heritage Education Foundation: “The notion of “self-evident” truth is the idea that some truths do not require complex reasoning or evidence to prove. Such truths are simply understood by basic, original evidence and man’s innate moral or common sense. They are often called “first principles” upon which other truths and arguments are based.” (1)
Clarifying Self-Evident Truths
We find these self-evident truths in the Declaration of Independence:
“We are endowed by our Creator [not by government] with certain unalienable rights…” These are rights that the government can’t take away. We are born with them.
“That among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” Notice the word “among.” This is not a comprehensive list of our unalienable rights. These are just a few of them. The “pursuit of happiness” means your property… your intellectual, physical, and material property that you own, develop, and earn. An easy example is that the money you earn from your labor is yours. The government does not own what you earn, create, or purchase. You do. On the other hand, it does not mean the government guarantees you happiness. [Who would decide what happiness is for a self-governing people?]
These self-evident truths are the foundation of the American View of law, liberty, and government. Think about that for a moment. If these self-evident truths are foundational to our Republic, why aren’t they discussed more often in the American lexicon?
Our Rights Are Unalienable, not Undeniable
One interesting fact is that Benjamin Franklin edited Thomas Jefferson’s rough draft of the Declaration of Independence. (1) Jefferson originally wrote, “We hold these truths to be sacred and undeniable.” Franklin changed it to read, “We hold these truths to be self-evident.” Why? My guess is that Americans and foreign nationals could debate what ‘sacred’ and ‘undeniable’ meant. To call something “self-evident” is to declare it as being basic to human understanding, without the need for proof. King George III denied the colonists’ rights with “a long train of abuses.” Telling him that our rights are endowed by our Creator and not by him is a self-evident fact.
In Conclusion
The phrase “self-evident truths” summarizes the core principles that are the cornerstone of our rights and freedoms as Americans. When we recognize these truths as inborn and not granted by any government, we can confidently uphold the values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Let’s commit to ensuring these fundamental rights remain a vital part of our national conversation.
This is Common Sense Civics and Citizenship 🇺🇸
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